5 Tips to Help you Focus

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Everyone goes through phases where they face the challenge of keeping focus on getting the job D-O-N-E.  There are many reasons that this happens.  We’re pulled in too many directions.  We’re tired.  We’re burned out.  We’re bored.  We’re procrastinating.  Whatever the reason, we have work we NEED to do.  We HAVE to reel in our wandering eyes and FOCUS.

Here are 5 Tips that help me to focus:

1. STOP RESISTING
   I know that when I’m totally out of focus, and playing on social media too long, it’s because I’m burned out.  I need to stop resisting what my body is telling me: I NEED a BREAK.  And sitting at the computer web-surfing isn’t going to make me feel better.  Taking a 30 minute walk, going for a cup of coffee, or laying down for half an hour is a better use of my time.  Stop resisting the need for a break and do it.
2. DRAIN THE BRAIN
   When you have a gazillion things running through your head, you need a place to capture all of these thoughts.  It sounds so simple, but making a list does wonders!  Or, if a mile-long list will only add to the confusion, then simply write it all down in a journal.  Get all of those wandering ideas, brainstorms, challenges, fears onto paper.  It’s amazing how refreshed you’ll feel when you are done.
3. GO OUTSIDE
   I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t go outside enough.  This is even more CRAZY because I live in Miami.  I have this work ethic that makes me think I have to be at my desk from 9-5 at a minimum, with meetings as the only exception.  WHY is THIS?  Why can’t I work outside… or take a deep breath outdoors… or lay on the grass for 5 minutes?  Why must I be chained to this desk?  It’s amazing how a little change of scenery can quickly re-inspire you.
4. TAKE a REAL LUNCH BREAK
   I met a friend for lunch yesterday.  I actually got into my car, drove to meet her… and she isn’t even in the wedding industry… and we had a LOVELY two-hour lunch.  I know this might sound nuts to some of you.  But, it is something I definitely don’t do often enough.  This is particularly true when I’m in the middle of my busy season… or in my case this week, trying to wrap up loose ends before leaving town.  And, you know what?  I came back SUPER-FOCUSED.  Talking with her about non-business things, having a great meal (outdoors!), and taking a REAL lunch break recharged my batteries.
5. CHOOSE ONE THING
   Some days, there are simply too many things to do.  This makes it hard to focus on just one thing.  So, we try to focus on many things… and end up focused on nothing.  (See my post on the Perils of Multi-tasking.)  So, choose ONE THING to do.  Commit to getting only that one thing for the day.  Which is the most time critical?  Which is the most important?  If you  get it done, and want to do another, then do it.  But, focus on that one thing ONLY and see how far you get.

How about you?  What do you do to help yourself focus?